C40/100
Port Townsend Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 31,477 residents · Washington
What's In Port Townsend's Tap Water?
54
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2014.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
QUIMPER
Population Served
14,500
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WA5305783
PORT TOWNSEND CITY OF
Population Served
16,977
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
WA5369000
Frequently Asked Questions About Port Townsend Water
Is Port Townsend tap water safe to drink?
Port Townsend, Washington tap water receives a grade of C (40/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 184 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Port Townsend's water?
Of the 55 contaminants tested in Port Townsend's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Port Townsend have any water quality violations?
Yes, Port Townsend has 184 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Port Townsend?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Port Townsend is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Port Townsend's tap water come from?
Port Townsend's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by QUIMPER and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 31,477 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Port Townsend's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Port Townsend's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Port Townsend's water compare to other cities in Washington?
Port Townsend's water quality score of 40/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Washington state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Port Townsend's water quality?
If you have concerns about Port Townsend's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (QUIMPER) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.